Campgrounds near Ashaway, Rhode Island cover a wide range of options, from developed RV hookups and cabin rentals to tent-only sites near lakes and forests. Burlingame State Park Campground in Charlestown offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options just 15 minutes from Ashaway. Several private campgrounds like Mystic KOA in nearby Connecticut and Whispering Pines in Hope Valley accommodate tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals. The region features both beachside campgrounds along the coast and forested campgrounds near lakes and ponds, with most sites positioned within a 30-minute drive of coastal attractions.
Reservations are strongly recommended during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Most developed campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with limited winter camping options. Rhode Island state parks like Fishermen's Memorial and Burlingame charge significantly higher rates for out-of-state visitors compared to residents. Several campgrounds report challenges with drainage after rainfall, with site conditions varying considerably across campgrounds. A camper noted that "flooding issues during even minor rainfall is apparent in a large portion of sites, so beware which campsite you reserve" at Burlingame State Park.
Many campers highlight beach access as a primary draw for camping in the region. Charlestown Breachway State Park provides direct waterfront RV camping with easy access to Block Island Sound for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Inland campgrounds like Whispering Pines offer amenities such as swimming pools, splash pads, and recreation facilities that appeal to families with children. Campground privacy varies significantly between locations, with some sites offering wooded seclusion while others are arranged in more open layouts. According to visitor feedback, "Most of the sites have some degree of visual separation from their neighbors, but there are places where it's hard to tell where one site ends and the next one starts." Several campgrounds feature walking trails, fishing ponds, and proximity to attractions in Newport, Mystic, and other coastal communities, making them convenient bases for exploring southern New England.
$18 - $50 / night
"I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer."
"Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything."
"This campground is just 15-minutes from Mystic and about an hour’s drive to Newport, Rhode Island."
"The only drawback is the proximity to Interstate 95. You can hear the highway very well at night, particularly in the safari field."
$18 - $28 / night
"Fisherman’s Memorial State Park is a large 182 site campground in Narragansett, Rhode Island."
"Lots of nearby beaches and restaurants. Campsites are simple. A patch of grass with a small bush or two, not very much shade, space or privacy."
$60 - $120 / night
"It was a bit too cold outside but the pools and hot tubs looked nice. Splash pad was clean and used by kids. Lots of roads to bike on and walk dogs. Live band on Saturday night was nice."
"It is close by to some nice shopping areas as well. Bingo is always a family favorite and they even had that as well!"
$60 - $80 / night
"The pool, splash pad, and nearly everything else was non operational or locked up still. Bocce ball set was pad locked, no one working the rec hall for horse shoes, shuffle board was in op."
"The kids got to enjoy a brand new splash pad which was great and a small train ride around the park. Pretty tight turns and big hills for towing your trailer through but it fits."
$50 - $75 / night
"Wawaloam Campground in Rhode Island was our 3rd state & campground on our East Coast trip. Not a lot of choices in Rhode Island, but we liked this camp ground in a rural wooded area.
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$17 - $50 / night
"General: There are three sections to this campground: five canoe sites; 16 sites including one cabin behind the ranger station and what I would assume is the main section with 61 sites."
"It is just off the highway, and most sites don’t use electricity or water."
"This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions."
"Seaport RV is a great, spacious campground with many amenities and a location close to Mystic."
$17 / night
"Awesome place nice pond walking distance from site great swimming and fishing spacious sites pretty private"
"Great off the beaten path place to camp. Sites are large but close together. Each contain a rock built fire ring. There are toilets but no showers. Good parking for camper but limited for guests."
$18 / night
"It is nothing more than a parking lot with no hookups and only composting toilets available, but you get access to Block Island Sound and all that it offers. Sites 58-75 are waterfront."
"We were able to secure a spot at Charlestown Breachway in Charlestown, Rhode Island during peak season, July 17-19.. Due to Covid-19, Charlestown was forced to reduce capacity to 50 percent."
RangerWe did a family campout here and had several sites together. We camped in our pop up in the field. We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here.
RangerWe stayed at one of the lean-to sites and really enjoyed our time here. We went fishing and explored the area. We hiked to the tri-state marker (CT-MA-RI) on a nearby trail. Plenty to do and see! Bathrooms were cleaner than what we are used to in a state campground.
ScoutCamped early in the season mid week, and it was nice and quiet. The "new" park rangers are take their jobs delightfully serious.
Our site had plenty of sun for solar but in seagull loop there is loads of shade
ScoutCampground was great. Site was in great shape, everything in order. Portapotties were large. The road made the trip horrible for peace and quiet lovers. I knew it was close to the road, but right on top of it AND a heavily traveled route.
ScoutCute Rv park. Very family friendly, the women who at the office are also incredibly nice and helpful! Seems like a lot of people either live full time or come on weekends but we were able to book a spot for a week.
RangerWe love camping here. From the history of the area, to its proximity to the ocean, to the many places to explore, to the nice sites and clean bathrooms! We have been coming here for over a decade and enjoy every trip. We usually grab dinner at George's of Galilee, and have taken the ferry to Block Island as well. There are a bunch of old military defenses from WWII in Narragansett Bay, including one in the campground. We've tent and camper camped, and enjoyed both.
RangerOur first time camping here, we were trying to get a more secluded spot, but the pics on ReserveAmerica were not the greatest gauge of the sites. The sites were OK, some better than others, we didn't have any amenities but there was potable water nearby. There are cabins, which are really just bunkhouses with 2 bunk beds. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Our loop had porta potties nearby, we only saw one real bathroom with flushing toilets and showers. We did go for a nice hike, the North/South Trail goes through the campground and there are many trails in the area as well. We did a 5+ mile loop and got a good sense of what the trails are like. Found some geocaches and our pups got a good workout.
ScoutWe went last week to visit my brother and sister-in-law in the park was clean. Everybody was friendly. The staff was awesome and they even checked on us while we were there to see if we need anything. The neighbors were wonderful definitely will come back.
ScoutPicked up a one way rental RV on the way to Florida. I arrived early afternoon and was met quickly and shown to my spot and helped with all the hookups and “lay of the land” Very easy and helpful.
Campsites around Ashaway, Rhode Island sit at elevations between 100-400 feet above sea level in the western part of the state. The region experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping season and evening temperatures dropping to 60-65°F. Many campsites offer wooded settings with partial to full shade, providing natural cooling during summer months.
Kayaking and fishing access: The canoe sites at Hopeville Pond State Park Campground provide direct waterfront access for paddlers. "These are tent only. You park and walk about 100 yards to the site. There are only four sites in this secluded section of the campground. Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond. You can launch kayaks, paddle boards, etc right from the site!" according to Jason S.
Family recreation facilities: Wawaloam Campground offers extensive water features during summer months. "Besides the pool they have a splash pad, a water slide, mini golf, a nice pond for fishing. The playground is nice. The grounds are well taken care of," notes Cynthia K. The water park area includes two swimming pools that generally operate from late May through early September.
Beach proximity: Waterfront camping at Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground puts you steps from Block Island Sound. Justin F. explains: "There is a more 'private' sandy area near the water sites (close to sites 70's) where we were able to pull up a chair and sit in the water. Minimal waves and lots of people watching. There were many people fishing and reeling them in."
Year-round options: While most area campgrounds close for winter, Mystic KOA operates throughout the year for those seeking off-season camping near Ashaway. "We go to Mystic Connecticut every year and always stay in a hotel. From here on out we will do our annual trip with our camper at Mystic KOA! It provided us the opportunity to have our own space all while still enjoying our favorite activities in the area," shares Jenn.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight at several campgrounds. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, "The bathrooms and showers are spotless and newly painted. Our site didn't have sewer, but the electric and water were working fine. We saw maintenance people making repairs while we were there," reports Pam R.
Varied site layouts: Burlingame State Park Campground offers diverse camping environments within one property. Andrew P. describes: "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open, excellent for bikes, there are in-camp roads, so big you can get lost(sorta)."
Varying site spacing: Campground density differs dramatically between properties. At Mystic KOA, Tony B. notes: "Call me old school, but when I camp, I want trees, space between sites, and privacy from neighboring sites. You won't get that here. Think of row houses in any city and that's what you get here."
Cost differences for residents vs. non-residents: Rhode Island state parks have significant price variances. Lee D. explains about Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground: "The rates for out of state campers are significantly more than for residents. I'm used to paying $5 or even $10 more for being from out of state but here the fee is double or more for out-of-state campers."
Reservation timing: The best places to camp near Ashaway, Rhode Island fill quickly during summer. For Whispering Pines Campground, Johnny W. advises: "Our site we picked back in January was GREAT! Caters more to the seasonal campers than transients but still a good experience."
Playground access: Family-oriented amenities vary widely between campgrounds. At Strawberry Park, "Kids had fun on the many play grounds. It was a bit too cold outside but the pools and hot tubs looked nice. Splash pad was clean and used by kids. Lots of roads to bike on and walk dogs," according to Michael C.
Indoor recreation options: For rainy day contingencies, seek campgrounds with covered facilities. Michelle D. shares about Strawberry Park: "When my family went here it poured! And we were thankful that there were so many things to do, painting ceramics, karaoke, an arcade (at the time it had DDR which was all the rage)."
Site selection for quiet: Strategic site selection helps with family camping. For Burlingame State Park, David M. suggests: "If you want a good visit do not stay down by the lake!!!" This simple advice helps families avoid high-traffic areas where noise may be more prevalent.
Self-contained requirements: Several waterfront campgrounds near Ashaway have specific RV requirements. At Charlestown Breachway, Jean C. explains: "If you have a self-contained RV (no pop-up/canvas; permanent toilets/water tanks), like the beach, fishing, boating, and/or windsurfing, this may just be the park for you."
Generator hours: Noise limitations affect dry camping comfort. Jae H. notes about Charlestown Breachway: "A lot of campers run their generator, so be prepared to hear/smell them. But quiet hours are very respected." Generator use is typically restricted to 8am-8pm at most campgrounds without electrical hookups.
Pull-through availability: Level sites with easy access matter for larger rigs. At Wawaloam Campground, Joseph M. reports: "Hookups were awesome and easy. Layout is amazing, mostly pull through and pet friendly."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Ashaway, RI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ashaway, RI is Burlingame State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 51 reviews.
What parks are near Ashaway, RI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Ashaway, RI that allow camping, notably Westville Lake and Buffumville Lake.
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